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Systems of two linear equations in two variables SAT question

Math · Algebra · Medium · Answer it here, explanation included.

A wire with a length of inches is cut into two parts. One part has a length of inches, and the other part has a length of inches. The value of is more than times the value of . What is the value of ?

ExplanationShow

Choice D is correct. It's given that a wire with a length of inches is cut into two parts. It's also given that one part has a length of inches and the other part has a length of inches. This can be represented by the equation . It's also given that the value of is more than times the value of . This can be represented by the equation . Substituting for in the equation yields , or . Subtracting from each side of this equation yields . Dividing each side of this equation by yields . Substituting for in the equation yields , or

Choice A is incorrect. This value represents less than half of the total length of inches; however, represents the length of the longer part of the wire, since it's given that the value of is more than times the value of .

Choice B is incorrect. This value represents less than half of the total length of inches; however, represents the length of the longer part of the wire, since it's given that the value of is more than times the value of .

Choice C is incorrect. This represents a part that is more than the length of the other part, rather than more than times the length of the other part.

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